Davis, Harris to receive 2024 alumni awards
Lipscomb University to recognize award recipients at Bisons Weekend Chapel Nov. 9.
Rhonda Minton |
Robbie (Brewer) Davis (BS ’74) of Nashville and Bennie Harris II (BBA ’20, MBA ’21) of Franklin are being honored during the 2024 Bisons Weekend as recipients of the Alumna of the Year and Young Alumnus of the Year awards, respectively.
Davis and Harris will be recognized at Bisons Weekend Chapel which begins at 11 a.m. on Nov. 9. Bisons Weekend is a two-day Lipscomb University community event featuring alumni reunions, athletics events, a musical play and a number of other activities.
“The Alumni Awards are the highest honor conferred upon our alumni and recognize the inspiring ways Lipscomb alumni are making a profound impact in the world,” said Stephanie Carroll, assistant vice president of alumni and parent engagement at Lipscomb. “Robbie and Bennie are outstanding examples of alumni who are making an impact, and it is an honor to recognize them in this way.”
Robbie Davis, Alumna of the Year
A native of Gallatin, Davis graduated from Lipscomb in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in business management. A long-time supporter of several Lipscomb programs, Davis served on the university’s Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2016 where she helped elevate and steer the athletics program in the early years of its transition to Division 1.
Davis’ family roots run deep in Lipscomb history. Her great-grandfather was Dr. J.S. Ward, the university’s first science professor on faculty. Her grandparents, Robbie Dearing Ward and Charles R. Brewer, met on Lipscomb’s campus, and her grandfather served as a faculty member for 25 years. Davis’ parents, Rose Foster and Charles W. Brewer, also met at Lipscomb. David Lipscomb's brother, William, was the great-grandfather of her husband, Harrison "Hank" Davis.
As a Lipscomb student, Davis was a member of Delta Sigma, Phi Beta Lambda and the President's Student Council. She also was a Bisonette who enjoyed supporting the basketball team and watching the baseball team at Onion Dell. Davis also loved playing intramural sports, where she served as quarterback for Delta Sigma’s flag football team.
A loyal supporter of Lipscomb Athletics, Davis was inducted to the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019 for meritorious service. Her passion for the women’s golf program was honored this October with the naming of “The Robbie,” the program’s first tournament. She also serves on the advisory committees for the J.S. Ward Society and the Lanier Center for Archaeology.
She and her husband Hank have been married for 47 years and have two children, daughter Dearing and son Brew. Brew and his wife Jennifer Phar Davis have two children, Charlotte “Charley” and Gus.
Bennie Harris II, Young Alumnus of the Year
Harris graduated from Lipscomb in 2020 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and earned a Master of Business Administration in 2021.
Harris is a senior associate at Coker, a healthcare consulting firm specializing in fair market value assessment, particularly related to physician compensation. In this role, he has led key initiatives and was selected by the firm's equity owners to serve on the firm-wide advisory council, strengthening communication between employees and management.
He is also a published author, with his article "Beyond the Borders: Telemedicine's Vital Role in Healthcare Transformation" featured in the Healthcare Administration Leadership and Management Journal.
As a member of the Bison soccer team, Harris played a pivotal role in helping the team secure two ASUN Championship titles and reaching the 2018 Sweet Sixteen. During his final season, Harris served as team captain, further developing leadership skills that he attributes to his parents and his soccer experiences.
Outside of his professional career, Harris co-founded Olive Pressing, a networking initiative that brings together young adults from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, form connections and foster lasting relationships. The initiative emphasizes the growth and relationships that come from shared experiences.
Harris is an active leader within the Lipscomb College of Business Alumni Board. He chairs the advancement committee, which has raised more than $20,000 in scholarships for business students. He is also involved in Leadership Healthcare and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, among other organizations.
Harris is a graduate of Greater Atlanta Christian School. He and his siblings, sister, Bria (LA ’14, BS ’18) and brother, Branden, are the children of Lipscomb trustee Bennie Harris, and his wife, Frankie.
For more information about the alumni awards, contact Carroll at 615.966.5130.